Here at the Greensburg Community Development Corporation, we recognize just how important small businesses are to our community and local economy. Without our small business owners, Greensburg would not be the fun, unique city we love.. Due to COVID-19, many of our small businesses are struggling. Therefore, we urge small businesses and nonprofits to take advantage of the following relief programs for which they may be eligible.

Because everything is changing on a daily basis, we will be updating the following information regularly.

FEDERAL PROGRAMS

The stimulus package includes several programs aimed at assisting small businesses, including:

Paycheck Protection Loans

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will guarantee loans with terms of up to 10 years and interest rates of up to 4% to businesses with fewer than 500 employees. Businesses can qualify for loans of up to $10 million, and the loans will be provided by lenders including banks and credit unions. Eligible businesses can get loan deferment for six months to a year, and the loan may be forgiven if the business maintains its payroll for eight weeks at employees’ normal salary levels.

Expandedaccess to Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loan

The SBA is providing low-interest loans of up to $2 million to small businesses and nonprofits who have been negatively impacted by the Coronavirus.

The interest rate for small businesses is 3.75%. The interest rate for non-profits is 2.75%.

SBA offers loans with long-term repayments in order to keep payments affordable, up to a maximum of 30 years. Terms are determined on a case-by-case basis, based upon each borrower’s ability to repay.

Who’s eligible?

SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans (or working capital loans) are available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, and most private non-profit organizations

These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that cannot be paid because of the disaster’s impact.

The stimulus updated the program so that sole proprietors and businesses with fewer than 500 employees qualify, and applicants don’t need to provide a personal guarantee on loans under $200,000. Payments can also be deferred for up to four years.

How do I apply?

You may apply online here and choose “Economic Injury” as the reason you’re seeking assistance.

You will need to submit supporting documentation that may include your business’s most recent tax returns and list of your current debts.

You may contact the SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 for assistance with your application.

Even if your business is denied a loan, you can still access this grant, which can be used to provide employee sick leave, maintain payroll, or meet other needs like paying rent.

*The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) coronavirus resource page provides a list of relief programs, and it offers guidance to small business owners during this crisis.

Federal Income Tax Filing and Payment Deadline Extension

The federal tax return filing deadline has been extended to July 15, 2020. For tax payments of up to $10 million, the IRS has also extended the deadline for both individuals and businesses to July 15, 2020. Estimated tax payments for 2020 originally due on April 15 are now due on July 15.

Pennsylvania is one of several states to align their tax filing and payment deadlines with the new federal deadline of July 15, 2020.

STATE PROGRAMS

The Pennsylvania Industrial DeCOVID-19 Working Capital Access Program

Administered by the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA), the COVID-19 Working Capital Access Program (CWCA) provides critical working capital financing to small businesses located within the commonwealth that are adversely impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak.

The maximum loan amount is $100,000, carrying an interest rate of zero percent (0%) – except for agricultural producers, in which case the interest rate will be two percent (2%) – with a term of three (3) years.

Eligible costs include working capital, which for purposes of this program is considered capital used by a small business for operations, excluding fixed assets and production machinery and equipment.

All CWCA loan applications must be submitted through a Certified Economic Development Organization (CEDO). For Westmoreland County, this is the Economic Growth Connection of Westmoreland County. For the full list of CEDO’s operating within Pennsylvania, please refer to pa.gov/CWCA.

Who’s eligible?

A for-profit corporation, limited liability company, partnership, proprietorship or other legal business entity located in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and having 100 or fewer full-time employees worldwide at the time of submission of the application.

How do I apply?

PIDA partners with a network of nonprofit organizations called certified economic development organizations (CEDOs) to administer the CWCA loan program. Generally, the CEDOs service a one county area or a multicounty region, and work directly with the applicant company to package and underwrite the loan application. The loan application is submitted to the PIDA Office by the CEDO for final approval. For Westmoreland County, this is the Economic Growth Connection of Westmoreland County. For the full list of CEDO’s operating within Pennsylvania, please refer to pa.gov/CWCA.

LENDER AND CORPORATE SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

List of Banks Offering Relief

Many banks are offering deferment and forbearance to business loan customers having trouble making payments. You may search for your bank on the American Bankers Association’s ongoing A-Z list of coronavirus response programs.

Facebook Small Business Grants Program

Facebook has committed to offering up to 30,000 small businesses $100 million in cash grants and Facebook advertising credits. The grants will be provided to businesses in more than 30 countries.

Examples of how the program can help:

Keep your workforce going strong

Help with your rent costs

Connect with more customers

Cover operational costs

Further information is limited, but you may sign up here to receive more details from the company when they are available.